A team at Rice University has figured out how to 3D print graphene foams. Starting with sugar and nickel powder the process uses a laser to print and make the graphene. The process is far from commercially available but would let new materials become available for 3D printing.

Made In Space is the company that made the 3D printer for the ISS. The company also wants to use 3D printing in space to make materials there in microgravity that can not be made anywhere else. 3D printing can be used to repair parts, solve problems and extend space missions. By 3D printing highly functional things in space it could also be a very profitable activity indeed.

This paper explores low cost disposable 3D printed photonics sensors. These sensors could be used to let people carry out medical tests at home for example. Using 3D printing for sensors is a burgeoning research area with many possible future applications.

3D Printing chocolate has for years been one of the most newsworthy things in 3D printing. An adapted Lulzbot Taz is now being used to 3D Print chocolate. Is the idea of printing chocolate so appealing because we think of chocolate as a malleable substance? Or is there a real need for a myriad of chocolate shapes that are printed?